Enable Ability is delighted to be expanding its Over 25 Co-production & Social Group, thanks to funding from Portsmouth City Council and Hive Portsmouth, with a new focus on helping adults with disabilities build confidence and independence when using public transport across Portsmouth.
The initiative combines regular social activities with practical, real-world travel training. Participants will travel together by local bus to different venues across the city, developing skills such as understanding bus routes and timetables, identifying stops, planning journeys and return routes, communicating with others and travelling safely and confidently.
The social activities are an important part of the approach too. Whether visiting a cafe, restaurant, pub or taking part in a leisurely activity, having a meaningful destination provides motivation for participants to get involved while creating a genuine opportunity to practise their travel skills in everyday situations.
The group will also use their experiences to explore the accessibility of the venues visited, considering factors such as step-free access, signage, staff support and the overall experience for people with disabilities. With participants’ consent, these experiences will help create accessibility and public transport information that can be shared with others across Portsmouth.
The wider aim is to reduce the barriers that can prevent adults with disabilities from travelling independently, accessing community spaces and becoming more connected with their city. By providing supported opportunities to practise travelling, participants can gradually build the confidence to use public transport beyond the organised sessions, whether that’s for social activities, education, employment, appointments or everyday life.
The initiative will also work alongside local community projects, including the Portsmouth Foodguide, helping to promote opportunities for people to meet, socialise and participate in their local community.
If you’re aged 25 or over, have a disability, or are a family member, carer or professional supporting someone who may benefit from the group, we’d love to hear from you.
coproduction@enableability.org.uk
07857 328390
This project has been kindly funded by Portsmouth City Council & Hive Portsmouth
